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KhoshtipMan Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Clauses and parts of speech

Is this sentence correct?
All we have to do is stop hunting endangered spices..

To me, no! And the changed part shall be "... do is to stop hunting...". Agree?
  

Top answer

You see both forms used. I prefer the version without "to". I believe you mean "species" not "spices"!

— GPY

  • You see both forms used.
  • I prefer the version without "to".
  • I believe you mean "species" not "spices"!
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9 Answers
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You see both forms used. I prefer the version without "to".

I believe you mean "species" not "spices"!
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GPYI believe you mean "species" not "spices"!
I didn't note it and just quoted!
GPYYou see both forms used. I prefer the version without "to".
Why doesn't stop need to come with to? It's not the main verb.
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KhoshtipManthe changed part shall should be "... do is to stop hunting...". Agree?
No. For a do-echo the 'to' is optional. The original is fine. Your change is also fine.

Your sentence is similar to, and follows the same rules as, a pseudo-cleft with do.

See
See
See
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KhoshtipManWhy doesn't stop need to come with to?
I see the first "to" as governing "stop" as well as "do", so the second one is redundant (though not actually incorrect, according to usage).
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@CJ: Good notes, thanks. P.S: I deliberately used "shall".
@GPY: Thanks for the answers.
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KhoshtipManP.S: I deliberately used "shall".
Because you wanted it to sound like a formal legal document? That's what it sounds like when you use 'shall' like that.

CJ
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CalifJimBecause you wanted it to sound like a formal legal document? That's what it sounds like when you use 'shall' like that.
Legal? Not exactly. In the blink of an eye, I thought of it as to be nearer to BrE rather than Am. (I'm trying to make myself ready for a British exam!
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KhoshtipManI thought of it as to be nearer to BrE rather than Am. (I'm trying to make myself ready for a British exam! )
"shall" sounds out of place there in BrE too. It sounds as if you are making a formal legal proclamation.
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To me, 'shall' has no place in that sentence.
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